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I was looking through the listings of possible groups to join and something struck me as a little strange. Here we are on a site, called BLACK in America, which is supposed to be our bastion in a sea of other people-ness (yes I know its not a word, just making a point), why would we find it necessary to name our groups "the BLACK this" or "the Black that"? Don't we already know the groups are or will be populated by Black people? Have we been conditioned by society at large to think that we have to identify ourselves as such so other races won't participate with us by mistake? Is it a sign to say, "this organization is for Blacks only"? Why would we need to be listed as "Black" leaders to one another? (Not singling anyone out, just trying to give an example.) I realize the original usage of Black in front of organizational names signified that it was an organization for us, by us. It meant this was a place for us to come and be recognized for the skills and talents that were dismissed by the society at large. And it also meant that this was a place we could go to network freely. But does it not have the unenviable side effect (in the society at large) of having the connotation that you are not the BEST this or that but just the BLACK this or that (and even among ourselves)? Back to my main point, is it really necessary in here?
Posted By: Tony Boyd
Thursday, August 14th 2008 at 9:39AM
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Tony,
If you go to a German restaurant and the menu says “German Schnitzel or German Beer” is that necessary…you’re in a German restaurant. What about in a Jewish place of worship were things are labeled Jewish this or Jewish that…inside the Synagogue?
Humans have a belonging need. We use these “double titles” as a means of showing association. IHMO I don’t think they are meant to exclude others.
P.S. I’ve seen this doubling in many parts of the world…I don’t think this is just Black Folks.
Great Question!
Thursday, August 14th 2008 at 11:03AM
Dr. Ahmad Glover
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You pose good question. In our case, the group was named the same as our organization. "Black Business Builders Club" You can find more information at http://www.Re-AffirmativeAction.com
Thursday, August 14th 2008 at 11:09AM
Don Williams
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Dr. Glover,
I think you make a good point about double naming however when you first heard the name JEWISH synagogue did you immediately feel it was a place for you or did you feel "don't come here unless you are Jewish"? As far as being meant to exclude or not, I think some DEFINITELY are meant to be exclusive while others merely, like you said, mean to show association. Sometimes the lines are blurred and its hard to tell which is which. Also, in a social networking site dedicated to BLACK people, why would there need to be that double title to show association? Say for instance you want to start a group in here of circus clowns. Why would it be necessary to call it Black Circus Clowns, in here?
Thursday, August 14th 2008 at 3:38PM
Tony Boyd
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Don,
Yours is more understandable because the black in the name is descriptive of the type of business group and not the specific people of the group.
And to anyone else who has BLACK in their group name, I am not attacking your choice. I just wanted some discourse of the necessity of using it within an afrocentric social networking site.
Thursday, August 14th 2008 at 3:45PM
Tony Boyd
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Hello Linda,
Yes, I can see the plausibility of the double titling as being a loud proclamation of our togetherness, sort of a comfort thing. It just gives me pause to think. As far as being an artist, (based on your description) I would classify myself more as a reluctant leader, one who does not seek leadership but will rise to the challenge if necessary. I do a lot of contemplating about what is, what was, what will be, as well as what should be. My philosophy of art revolves around emotional significance. I think any artwork that I create should evoke some kind of emotion, good or bad. (Anything is preferable to indifference.) If it doesn't then its not fulfilling its purpose. As far as moving through many different circles of people, I do but not necessarily with ease. It takes me time to warm up to strangers till I am able to form some sort of repoire with them. Race, age, gender, s*xual orientation, religious affiliation, etc. take less precedence than the character and personality of the individual.
Thanks for your comment.
Friday, August 15th 2008 at 8:41PM
Tony Boyd
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Great question!
Ideological warfare, which is always my sole reason for entering any public forum, must be engaged all the time in every forum possible. The 'butterfly effect' could take place anywhere at any time, so all warriors must be prepared to take advantage of any arena where they are allowed to do battle.
Saturday, August 16th 2008 at 12:00AM
Curly Morris
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